How to Care for Your Knitwear

As the weather gets colder, it’s likely that you’re reaching for your favourite jumpers and cardigans to beat away that winter chill. After a good few months of not being worn, it can be hard to remember how to properly look after your knitwear – we don’t want any jumpers getting shrunk in the wash! We’ve compiled a list of tips to make sure your clothes keep looking as good as they did when you first bought them and will be able to keep you warm throughout all the bad weather!

Washing Your Knitwear

We’ve all been there: your favourite jumper goes in the wash one size and comes out three sizes smaller. To avoid this happening this year, here are a few tips on how to properly wash your knitwear. Make sure that if your washing machine has a knitwear, wool, or handwash setting, this is used when washing your clothing. If your washing machine doesn’t have these settings, then you are safer handwashing to avoid any shrinkage or damage! Investing in a specific wool detergent will also help, as these are generally low alkaline and will prevent any damage to the fibres. Lastly, never tumble dry your knits! This is a sure-fire way to shrink your clothes, and will mean that you’ll have to buy a whole new wardrobe for the winter months. Instead, let your knitwear air dry, and reshape if needed.

Storing Your Knitwear

After spending so long making sure your knitwear is washed properly, it’s only right to make sure it’s stored properly too. Make sure that after washing, your clothes are laid on a flat surface and reshaped – fasten all the buttons, straighten the hems, and push the pockets back in. This will prevent your clothes from losing their shape. Furthermore, instead of hanging up your washing using pegs, which cause unsightly marks, hang them on a radiator or drying rack instead. Once dry, it’s best to fold your knits rather than hang them up – hangers can cause drooping, making your knitwear lose its shape. Finally, if moths are an issue, make sure to invest in some ziplock bags for your most precious items. Moths love a good snack on some knitwear, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!

What If I Stain My Knitwear?

Everyone has accidents now and then, and the main point is not to panic – with the right techniques and by acting quickly, you won’t even know the stain was there! As soon as the stain happens, make sure to blot it with a tissue. Do not rub, as this will make the stain worse and damage the fibres on your garment. It’s always a good idea to have some stain removers on hand, especially for your more fragile clothes. Make sure not to leave the stain remover on for longer than it needs to be, and pop the garment into a quick wash to wick the dirt away.